There’s nothing like a great round of golf on a beautifully manicured course or sitting down to a well-prepared meal that includes a fresh salad and crisp vegetables. Yet something lurks behind these pleasant experiences—unwanted exposure to pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals that impact the brain’s health and other organ systems.

Since Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring was published in 1962, scientists have been studying the effects of pesticides on human health. In recent years, particularly since 2015, studies have focused on their effects on cognition and neurons, the building blocks and signaling mechanisms of the nervous system.

Pesticides, known as neurotoxins, can accumulate in the body over time based on exposure. This exposure often occurs without our awareness, as these chemicals are tasteless and odorless. For example, we can inhale them on a golf course or in a garden, or ingest them through genetically modified, non-organic fruits, vegetables, and grains. Animal products may also carry toxins if the animals are fed treated feed.

Studies show that occupational exposure to glyphosate (Roundup) increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The incidence of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases has significantly increased; cases of Parkinson's disease doubled between 1990 and 2015 and are expected to double again by 2040. Research indicates that exposure to environmental toxins—including pesticides, air pollution, and industrial solvents—contributes to this rise. Global dementia cases are predicted to nearly triple by 2050.

Toxins of Concern

Pesticides such as glyphosate (Roundup), organophosphates (including dimethoate and chlorpyrifos), pyrethroids, and dioxins (found in farm-raised salmon) are particularly concerning. Paraquat, used to control weeds, is associated with Parkinson’s disease. Advocates like Jeffrey Smith of the Institute for Responsible Technology, along with functional neurologists Dr. David Perlmutter and Dr. Dale Bredesen, warn about the dangers of glyphosate and genetically modified foods. They emphasize the importance of consuming organic, non-GMO foods.

Heavy Metals and Industrial Solvents

Mercury is highly toxic to the brain and is present in large fish such as tuna, grouper, tilefish, and swordfish, as well as in dental amalgams, fluorescent light bulbs, thermometers, switches in various appliances, and some toys.

A study indicated that people exposed to aluminum have a 6.77 times higher risk of cognitive impairment. Aluminum is commonly found in antacids, antiperspirants, foil, cookware, and drinking water. Other metals, such as cadmium (found in tobacco smoke), arsenic, and lead, may also contribute to cognitive decline.

Industrial solvents, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and benzene (present in hair dye, paint, nail polish, gasoline, and cleaning products), should be avoided. Toluene, found in paints, lacquers, adhesives, plastics, and gasoline, is linked to Parkinson’s and dementia. Trichloroethylene, used in dry cleaning and for decaffeinating coffee, is also associated with Parkinson’s and memory loss.

PFAS, present in non-stick cookware, have been linked to neurodegenerative diseases and Parkinson’s.

Microplastics and BPA

Microplastics and BPA, found in plastic water bottles, food containers, and thermal paper, can cause brain toxicity. Polyethylene, present in plastic bags, bottles, and containers, as well as nylon and polyamide (used in clothing and carpets), also pose risks. Recent studies have found microplastics in the brain, indicating potential toxicity.

Phthalates, such as DEHP, which can cause severe memory loss, are found in personal care products like shampoos, soaps, hairsprays, nail polish, PVC plumbing, and artificial scents (e.g., sprays, plug-ins, and air fresheners).

Effects of Chemicals and Heavy Metals on the Brain and Nervous System
The effect of these chemicals and metals is complex but generally involves oxidative stress, which triggers DNA damage and alters cells, causing inflammation, changes in organ systems, and decreased function. These substances also influence gene expression, impacting overall health.

Genetic factors affect how individuals detoxify from chemical exposure. This is why some people are unaffected by air fresheners, while others feel ill from slight exposure. Examining toxic exposure levels, duration, body load, and detoxification genes is essential to managing cognitive decline and toxic exposure. Neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s often have genetic predispositions, which is why family history is reviewed. However, having a genetic variant for Alzheimer’s doesn’t guarantee its development. Controlling epigenetics—the environmental factors that influence gene expression—can help prevent the gene from “activating.”

Toxic exposures also impact the brains of children, young adults, and middle-aged individuals, leading to issues with learning, behavior, relationships, work, and memory.

Understanding Your Toxic Burden

Several functional lab tests can determine toxic burdens and heavy metal levels. For example, Mosaic Labs offers an EnviroTox and Glyphosate test for various pollutants. Once a functional practitioner assesses the toxic burden, they can recommend detox protocols. These protocols include identifying and eliminating sources of toxins, using functional protein shakes or supplements to support liver detoxification, and implementing chelation and elimination diets.

Tips for Reducing Toxins
Lifestyle and dietary changes are essential for reducing toxic load. Here are some suggestions:

• Familiarize yourself with the Environmental Working Group (EWG) website (EWG.org), which offers a water database to identify local water contaminants and filter recommendations.

• Use EWG guides to choose healthy cleaning products, personal care items, and sunscreens. The EWG Healthy Living App is also available.

• Refer to the EWG’s Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen lists to identify which produce should be bought organic.

• Eat wild fish instead of farm-raised fish, which may contain high levels of pesticides and chemicals. Avoid large fish like tuna, swordfish, tilefish, grouper, and tuna sushi, which are high in mercury.

• Choose organic, grass-fed beef and organic chicken and turkey. Opt for organic or imported cheeses, as some chemicals are banned in other countries.

• Use reverse osmosis-filtered water if possible and avoid drinking from plastic bottles.

• Reduce heavy metal exposure and have amalgams removed by a biological dentist who can safely handle mercury.

• Avoid aluminum-containing deodorants and use essential oils instead of synthetic air fresheners and fabric softeners.

• Detoxify through sweating, saunas, and dry brushing.

• Exercise regularly, sleep 7-8 hours a night, and practice stress management to lower cortisol and inflammation.

• Support gut health, as a healthy gut promotes a healthy brain. Regular bowel movements eliminate toxins, so stay hydrated and eat fiber-rich foods. Consider fermented foods and a broad-spectrum probiotic.

• Prevent brain inflammation by avoiding nutrient deficiencies. Start with a good multivitamin, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids (at least 1 gram of EPA and DHA), resveratrol, curcumin, and green tea.

• Challenge your brain with word and number puzzles, learn new skills, or try dancing.

• Maintain blood sugar levels, aiming for a hemoglobin A1C below 5.4, as the brain is sensitive to sugar, which can cause inflammation. A brain-healthy diet is low in carbohydrates (60-100 grams per day), with higher clean protein, healthy fats (like olive oil, avocado oil, and nuts), low-carb vegetables, and limited organic fruit.

Exploring these options may significantly improve quality of life.

Dee Harris, RDN, is the owner of D-Signed Nutrition, located at 3531 Bonita Bay Blvd Ste. 300, in Bonita Springs. She has worked with many patients who suffer from various medical issues as a result of toxic exposure. For more information, call 239-676-5249.

D-Signed Nutrition, LLC - 3531 Bonita Bay Blvd, Ste 300, Bonita Springs, FL

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